Auto Club Outlines Road to Recovery

Road to Recovery

Sometimes it seems like there’s only bad news on the transportation front. In the last issue of Westways, I described how motorists have been hit with tax and fee increases. This past March, the legislature and governor replaced the sales tax on gasoline with an increase in the per-gallon (excise) tax-sidestepping voter-approved protections and allowing some of the money to prop up the state’s beleaguered General Fund.

Highway congestion has eased somewhat because of the economic recession. But as the economy slowly improves, more people will be getting back to work-and back on the road. An ineffective transportation system will slow not just our commutes, but also the progress toward economic recovery that depends on efficient movement of people and goods.It doesn’t have to be this way. Decisive action now and over the next few years by elected and appointed officials-with an urging from Auto Club members-can move us toward a different, better future.

Auto Club representatives have spent the past few months talking with local and state groups that share our concerns, with legislators in Sacramento, and with members of Congress in Washington about the need to make transportation a priority again. Here’s what we’ve been telling them:

First, Congress and President Obama need to approve a new federal transportation funding act to replace the one that expired last September. It must have adequate money to pay for needed upgrades to the nation’s neglected, underfunded transportation infrastructure and new roads and transit systems where needed. Further, it must ensure that money goes only to projects that will ease congestion and improve traffic safety, and it needs to eliminate red tape, which will both save tax dollars and enable projects to be completed faster.

Second, Sacramento needs to stop borrowing our sorely needed transportation funds, pay back what it’s borrowed, and commit to making a significant investment in our transportation system. Voters have repeatedly indicated that they’re willing to pay more for transportation as long as the additional taxes truly benefit their commutes and improve their quality of life. But taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay more until we’re assured that current funds are being spent appropriately.

The discussions we’ve had thus far have been promising. But the economy is a long way from being solid, and California’s budget deficit continues. It won’t be easy to turn around years of inaction and mistakes, and we need your help. We’d like to know what you think, and we urge you to get informed and involved. Go to AAA.com/roadahead to provide your feedback, get more information, and make your voice heard.